Limited water stress modulates expression of circadian clock genes in Brachypodium distachyon roots

Abstract

Organisms have evolved a circadian clock for the precise timing of their biological processes. Studies primarily on model dicots have shown the complexity of the inner timekeeper responsible for maintaining circadian oscillation in plants and have highlighted that circadian regulation is more than relevant to a wide range of biological processes, especially organ development and timing of flowering. Contribution of the circadian clock to overall plant fitness and yield has also long been known. Nevertheless, the organ- and species-specific functions of the circadian clock and its relation to stress adaptation have only recently been identified. Here we report transcriptional changes of core clock genes of the model monocot Brachypodium distachyon under three different light regimes (18:6 light:dark, 24:0 light and 0:24 dark) in response to mild drought stress in roots and green plant parts. Comparative monitoring of core clock gene expression in roots and green plant parts has shown that both phase and amplitude of expression in the roots of Brachypodium plants differ markedly from those in the green plant parts, even under well-watered conditions. Moreover, circadian clock genes responded to water depletion differently in root and shoot. These results suggest an organ-specific form and functions of the circadian clock in Brachypodium roots.